After back-to-back Old Firm triumphs before the extended international window, Rangers return to action as bottom-placed Kilmarnock visit Ibrox on Saturday afternoon. A win could temporarily put them at the top of the table, ahead of Celtic’s clash with Motherwell a day later.

Killie are struggling for survival early in the season, with just one victory in 7 appearances. But they showed some resilience before the break, defeating Hibernian on the road and then drawing with Hearts at Rugby Park. Derek McInnes must not be complacent against his former club, as he will demand momentum from his men with a comprehensive victory this weekend.

Ivor Pandur has overcome a difficult start, grabbing four successive clean sheets across competitions. He should aim for a fifth in a row against the East Ayrshire side, struggling for goals so far in the league.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 04: Bojan Miovski of Rangers scores his team’s second goal during the William Hill Premiership match between Rangers and Kilmarnock at Ibrox Stadium on February 04, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Despite bringing in Kosta Nedeljković and Ross McCrorie in the summer, Dujon Sterling remains the preferred choice at right-back. Fit-again Ben Godfrey has lost his place to Olwethu Makhanya, who has been solid alongside Emmanuel Fernandez in the heart of the backline. However, the gaffer has a decision to make, with Tuur Rommens back in contention, recovering from a groin strain. James Penrice has been exquisite in his absence, and the Scotsman’s adaptability must be rewarded with another start down the left.

The failure to secure a transfer would see Nicolas Raskin stay at Ibrox at least until the January window. The Belgian must drive the game from deep, as his technicality and vision would free Dan Neil up to make box-to-box runs and operate in the advanced areas of the pitch. Tochi Chukwuani, Cammy Devlin and Vanja Dragojevic, being the other central midfield options, must stay patient and wait for their opportunities in the centre of the pitch.

Although the Light Blues are without Daisuke Yokota due to his groin injury, versatile Min-Su Kim has impressed from the right-hand flank, showing his flair, finesse and dribbling traits. Djeidi Gassama has cemented his spot on the left, with Findlay Curtis and Badredine Bouanani likely to feature from the bench as second-half substitutes. High-flying Ryan Naderi must occupy the ‘number 10’ spot, but could also operate as a second striker or wide attacker.

Kevin Kelsy has stepped in and delivered against Celtic amid Youssef Chermiti and Lawrence Shankland’s long-term injuries. Bojan Miovski, who scored an injury-time winner against St Mirren as a ‘super sub’, would remain as the understudy to the Venezuelan hitman.